The Baltimore Eagle, closed for a year now, is expected to re-open as a leather bar under the same name. This is a full-scale redevelopment project that should be completed sometime in 2014 or perhaps 2015. No target date has been set.

“Ninety percent of real estate development is planning,” said Ian Parrish, a Baltimore developer who purchased the building. “The architectural plans have now been completed and my team is waiting to execute the plans.” He told the Blade that extensive renovations and upgrades to the structure need to take place, including tearing down walls and ceilings. The final cost of renovations is estimated to exceed $650,000. Some 34 dumpsters were filled with debris from cleaning out the building, which is located at 2022 N. Charles St. in Baltimore.

But not everything went to waste. “In the true spirit of The Eagle, we partnered with Habitat for Humanity by donating several truckloads of furniture, electronics and equipment from the building to needy families,” Parrish points out.

Drawings must be produced by architectural, structural and mechanical contractors, and Parrish is awaiting permits from the city to do the additional work. He expects those permits within a few weeks and will be using the website TheBaltimoreEagle.com to keep the community apprised of the progress of the renovation and ultimately the bar’s opening.

Parrish purchased the building five years after the death of its previous owner Richard Richardson. The bar was operated by Richardson’s estate until its sale.